Football

Aloe Blacc likes the fact the NFL is playing the Black National Anthem before every Week 1 game, but says the league needs to go much further to fight for equality.

The singer joined us Wednesday on "TMZ Live" and explained why there's so much more the NFL can do to create an even playing field. Still, Aloe ... who recorded the modern version of "Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing," says the symbolism of the league including the so-called Black National Anthem is important.

As in, an important step on the path to ending systemic racism.

Aloe told us, the anthem and the NFL's vow to donate $250 million to social justice organizations is mostly a conversation starter, and there's a real discussion that needs to be had on how to get more black head coaches, executives and quarterbacks in the league.

He did his homework, too, quoting stats that reveal the NFL's own systemic problems. It's true a black QB just earned the richest sports contract ever -- however, money isn't the issue Aloe's talking about here.

A former college football receiver just made a LIFE-SAVING highlight -- catching a 3-year-old child thrown from a burning building ... and it was all captured on video.

28-year-old Phillip Blanks -- who played at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA -- was at his home in Phoenix when he saw a nearby apartment was ablaze.

Blanks decided to check out the scene to see if he could help ... and noticed a 30-year-old mother preparing to throw her child off the balcony.

Blanks -- who is also a retired U.S. Marine -- immediately knew what he had to do ... and sprinted to the ground below to save the boy from hitting the ground.

"Instinct. There wasn't much thinking. I just reacted. I just did it," Blanks told ABC7.

"The guy who was there with me ... it looked like he wasn't going to catch him. So that's why I stepped in. I just wanted to make a better catch."

Blanks rushed the child to safety ... but the mother tragically passed away from the fire, according to ABC7.

"She's the real hero of the story," Blanks told the outlet. "Because she made the ultimate sacrifice to save her children."

The woman's 3-year-old and 8-year-old were taken to a nearby hospital, where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries.

BTW -- according to Blanks' college bio, he's related to Barry Sanders and Mike Conley.

A University of Toleda football player was shot and killed outside of a pizza restaurant in Ohio Tuesday ... and cops are still on the hunt for the killer.

The victim is 22-year-old Jahneil Douglas -- a defensive lineman for the Rockets who was expected to have a big role on the team this upcoming season.

Officials say there was a fight outside of Gino's Pizza in Central Toledo around 11:30 PM -- and during the altercation, gunshots were fired and Douglas was hit.

The football player was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died, according to WTOL.

So far, no arrests have been made -- cops are currently investigating and hoping to track down the shooter ASAP.

Douglas was a standout player at Start HS in Toledo ... earning 1st-team All-Ohio honors during the 2016 season.

Rockets head coach Jason Candle released a statement on Douglas' death ... saying, "The Toledo Football family is heartbroken by the loss of Jahneil."

"He was a hard-working young man who was loved by all his teammates and coaches. Our sincerest condolences go out to Jahneil’s family and friends during these difficult times."

Huge day for the national champs ... the LSU Tigers just debuted their 3 title rings from the 2019 season ... and they're HUGE!!!

The Tigers got 3 rings total -- one for their SEC Championship, one from the College Football Playoff championship (provided by the CFP), and one commemorating their national championship (provided by the school).

The program handed out the hardware in gold-plated cases on Tuesday ... and the players were naturally thrilled to show off their bling.

LSU says team staffers worked with 4 players -- Joe Burrow, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Lloyd Cushenberry III, and Rashard Lawrence -- to come up with the designs ... and their creations turned out AWESOME.

The best ring of all?? LSU's national title ring ... which has white-gold LSU stones on top of a yellow-gold design of the trophy with purple stones behind it.

The ring also features Tiger Stadium and the state of Louisiana on the sides ... and the words "LSU standard of performance" etched on the inside.

Get this -- Derek Ponamsky, the special assistant to Ed Orgeron, said the head coach had just one demand when the team designed the rings ... saying, "I want a badass ring."

This is bad.

NFL star DeSean Jackson claims he's NOT a Jew-hater -- despite posting quotes suggesting a Jewish plot for world domination.

The Philadelphia Eagles WR first posted a screenshot of a book that features a quote attributed to Adolf Hitler -- saying Jews will "extort" and "blackmail" America as part of a greater "plan for world domination."

According to the multiple research websites, including Snopes, the quote is NOT originally from Hitler -- but STILL A HORRIBLE THING TO POST!

There was obvious backlash to the post from people including former Philadelphia Eagles president Joe Banner, who is Jewish.

"If a white player said anything about AA’s as outrageous as what Desean Jackson said about Jews tonight there would at least be a serious conversation about cutting him and a need for a team meeting to discuss. Which would be totally appropriate," Banner said.

"Absolutely indefensible."

Jackson later responded on another IG post -- saying, "Anyone who feels I have hate towards the Jewish community took my post the wrong way."

He added, "I have no hatred in my heart towards no one!"

On his IG page, Jackson also features several tributes to Louis Farrakhan -- a man the Anti-Defamation League has dubbed anti-Semitic over his long history of trashing the Jewish people.

Farrakhan has previously referred to Judaism as a "gutter religion" and praised Hitler as a "great man."

Is a baseball career that ended 17 years ago the reason Patrick Mahomes is now set to be a K.C. Chief for life???

Seems the superstar QB is saying exactly that ... 'cause Mahomes told reporters Tuesday his dad's experience in the MLB helped him ink a monster 10-year, $503-MILLION contract extension.

Mahomes said his dad, Pat Mahomes Sr., and his godfather, former MLB pitcher LaTroy Hawkins, both told him signing a long-term, financially-secure deal is a better route than a short-term one.

"They didn't sign that long-term contract, but they saw players who did," Mahomes said of Hawkins and his dad, who played in the MLB from 1992-2003.

"They saw players who went about it and how they kind of got that long-term security and were able to go out there and play free knowing they had the security they always wanted."

Most NFL players prefer shorter-term deals ... but Mahomes says after conversations with his dad and godfather, he believes the contract that'll keep him in K.C. through 2031 is the best call.

"Definitely was something I was able to talk to them about and get a lot of information from them," Mahomes said.

Of course, Mahomes also said the stability of the Chiefs' organization -- from ownership down to head coach Andy Reid -- also made signing a long deal and easy call.

"No offense," Mahomes told reporters, "but you can't do this with every organization."

As for what Mahomes is gonna do with all that dough?? The dude's planning to help out those in need.

"Obviously, in the time that we're in right now, there's so much opportunity to go out there and try to help the world become the best place that it can possibly be."

"I feel like having this security, this trust, within the organization and obviously the financial help, I'll be able to do that. And not only in the Kansas City community, where I hope to impact as much as I can as quickly as I can, but hopefully around the world."

Alabama football offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is recovering from a heart procedure this week after a routine physical uncovered a concerning "anomaly" ... but he's expected to be okay.

The University of Alabama explained the situation this way ...

"The Alabama football coaching staff participates in an annual executive physical. During Coach Sarkisian's physical last week, it was determined that he needed a procedure to correct a congenital cardiovascular anomaly before it became an issue."

"Coach Sarkisian underwent a successful procedure this past Thursday in Birmingham. He is back home in Tuscaloosa and is expected to make a full recovery."

Chiefs fans, rejoice ... Patrick Mahomes ain't going anywhere for a LOONG time -- the superstar QB reportedly just agreed to a historic 10-year contract extension with K.C.!!!

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the 24-year-old and the team reached a deal Monday ... although dollar figures have yet to be discussed.

But, the big question ... will this be the NFL's first $400 MILLION DEAL?!?!?!

The proposed contract would lock him into K.C. through the 2031 NFL season.

This is obviously a big deal ... the extension could be one of the most eye-popping in sports history -- with many believing Mahomes could command right around $40 MILLION per year on the deal.

Of course, Pat's deserving of every penny ... the dude has already established himself as one of the NFL's all-time greats, already winning an MVP award and a Super Bowl in just 2 seasons as a starter.

Mahomes' numbers in those years are insane ... in just 30 starts since taking over the QB reigns from Alex Smith, he's logged over 9,000 passing yards and 76 TDs to just 17 interceptions.

In fact, Mahomes has been so good ... Chiefs legend Willie Roaf told TMZ Sports previously he's Tom Brady-esque; while former K.C. head coach Dick Vermeil has told us Pat's got G.O.A.T. potential.

Donald Trump appears to have real issues with the Redskins and Indians for considering name changes ... saying Monday he believes the nicknames are signs of strength for the teams.

Both Washington's NFL franchise and Cleveland's MLB squad announced over the weekend they will have discussions about changing their monikers in the wake of America's social justice movement.

But, Trump seems to have problems with that ... writing on his Twitter account, "They name teams out of STRENGTH, not weakness."

"But now the Washington Redskins & Cleveland Indians, two fabled sports franchises, look like they are going to be changing their names in order to be politically correct."

Trump then renewed an old rivalry with Mass. Senator Elizabeth Warren, adding, "Indians, like Elizabeth Warren, must be very angry right now!"

As we previously reported, the Redskins have faced HEAVY pressure over the past few weeks to change their name ... with both Nike and FedEx expressing concerns over it all.

Also, Fawn Sharp -- president of the National Congress of American Indians (which represents more than 500 tribal nations) recently said the Redskins name is VERY offensive and called for players to boycott.

Owner Dan Snyder said Friday the team will look into it ... and just hours later, the Indians piggybacked on the Redskins' statement, saying they, too, would go forward with internal discussions as well.

"There's one motherf***er in the jungle -- when he roar everything stops ... and I'm about to motherf***in' ROAR!"

You fired up yet?!

Cam Newton sure as hell is -- the Patriots QB just WENT OFF in a new gym session video .. and seemingly took a shot at his old team!!

While stomping around his gym, a shirtless, jacked Newton looks directly into the camera and says, "You gonna choose THAT over THIS?!"

Is it a message to his former team the Carolina Panthers -- who released Cam to later sign Teddy Bridgewater?!

Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, Cam's definitely got a chip on his shoulder ... and he's ready to show the world he's still dominant.

"I'm getting tired of being humble now," Newton said.

"I'm really a killa. I'm really a killa ... You feel me? I'm getting tired of all this humble sh*t. Because, when you humble, they start taking advantage of you."

"When you don't say nothing, they start taking advantage of you."

Cam then described himself as a LION -- the kind of king who isn't bothered by the rest of the animal kingdom.

"The hyenas can be doing all that he do, the elephants can be doing all he do, the giraffes, the antelopes, the chimpanzees, even the gorilla. But there's one mother**ker in the jungle -- when he roar, everything stops. And I'm about to motherf**kin' roar!!!"

Newton just signed a 1-year, $1.05 million deal with New England -- with just $550,000 in guaranteed money.

The deal is incentive-based -- meaning if Newton balls out like he's hoping to ... he can make up to $7.5 million.

After signing the contract, Newton said it's not about the money -- "it's about respect."

Cam's only 31-years-old and a former NFL MVP -- and when he's healthy, he's a BEAST!

The war between Antonio Brown and his rape accuser is raging on ...

The former NFL All-Pro now claims Britney Taylor is "hiding" from giving a live deposition -- and he's asking a judge to force her to show up in person for the depo ... or, if not, throw out the lawsuit.

But, Taylor's attorney tells TMZ Sports ... that's all a bunch of B.S., saying, "It's not that she's hiding, it's just that Florida's a little infected [with coronavirus] right now."

Here's the deal ... in new court docs, Brown's attorneys say they're trying to get Taylor to sit for a live depo to question her about her allegations that Brown sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions.

In the docs, though, the attorneys say Taylor is only willing to meet with them over Zoom ... something they say they're NOT OK with.

"The nature of her allegations," Browns attorneys say in the docs, "coupled with the fact that she has absolutely no corroboration for her claims mandate that a live deposition of Ms. Taylor be had."

They now want a judge to FORCE Taylor to show up in person -- while following all proper COVID-19 safety guidelines -- or throw out the case.

But, when we spoke with Taylor's attorney, David Haas, he told us the only reason Taylor is refusing to show up in person is because of the global pandemic.

Haas says his client is willing to answer questions but adds "we're just trying to keep her safe."

A ruling on the motion from the judge has yet to come down ... but Haas says he expects it to be denied.

As we previously reported, Taylor -- who met Brown while the two attended Central Michigan -- is suing the NFL player, claiming, among other things, he violently raped her in 2018.

Colin Kaepernick's former 49ers teammate says it was Chip Kelly who punted the elephant out of the room after the QB's first kneeling protest ... with Jeremy Kerley telling TMZ Sports the coach couldn't have handled the situation any better.

"I love Chip for it," Kerley says.

The ex-S.F. wideout tells us shortly after Kaepernick began his protest of social injustices during 2016 NFL national anthems ... Kelly didn't allow things to get awkward.

In fact, Kerley says the former Niners head man brought the team together almost immediately and gave Kaepernick the floor to speak his mind to the locker room.

"For Chip being able to do that, I think that was pretty cool for him to kind of take the elephant out the room and remove all doubt," Kerley says. "I think that was pretty cool, I love Chip for it."

"It kind of removed all doubts and stuff in the locker room and we just bonded, like we were close and it was fun."

Kerley tells us because of Chip's actions ... the 49ers were able to have a blast in 2016 -- and the receiver says even though they finished 2-14, it was his favorite year of his 8-season career.

"To play with Kaep -- a lot of people forget, Kaep was a ballplayer," Kerley told us.

Jeremy says Kaepernick still has the goods to play in the NFL ... adding, "I think it's definitely time for him to jump back on the field and for people to accept him back on the field."

As for Kerley -- who hasn't played since he was with Buffalo in 2018 -- he says he's still leaving the door open for an NFL return ... but tells us he has a pretty sweet job in the meantime.

Justin Rohrwasser has delivered on his promise ... the Patriots kicker has removed a controversial tattoo from his arm after a public outcry, TMZ Sports has learned.

The tattoo in question is the logo for the "Three Percenters" -- a group some experts have described as a dangerous right-wing militia. Some chapters reportedly associate with "extreme racist groups."

The 23-year-old kicker claimed he got the tat when he was 18 because he thought it was a patriotic tribute to the military -- not knowing the group has been associated with some pretty bad stuff.

After the Patriots selected Rohrwasser with the 159th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft back in April, he received some major blowback online ... and later vowed to remove it from his body,.

"It's shameful that I had it on there ignorantly," Rohrwasser told WBZ-TV ... "That's not who I am."

Now, multiple sources confirm ... the tat is gone for good.

We're told the former Marshall kicker began the removal process almost immediately after the NFL Draft ... and described the process as physically painful.

Rohrwasser has apologized for the tattoo multiple times -- and told WBZ-TV, "I’m sorry for all my family that have to defend me. Putting them in that compromising position is one of the biggest regrets I’ll ever have, so to them, I’m sorry.

It's finally happening ... it looks like one of the big holdouts in the movement to 86 offensive names and imagery from our lexicon is about to go down, because it looks like the Washington Redskins may be FINALLY changing their name.

The team's owner, Dan Snyder, said his org will “undergo a thorough review of the team’s name” ... this as the Redskins have encountered a tidal wave of criticism.

Snyder said, “This process allows the team to take into account not only the proud tradition and history of the franchise but also input from our alumni, the organization, sponsors, the National Football League and the local community it is proud to represent on and off the field."

And there's more ... Ron Rivera, the head coach, added this ... “This issue is of personal importance to me and I look forward to working closely with Dan Snyder to make sure we continue the mission of honoring and supporting Native Americans and our Military.”

This all feels like things are now teed up for a name change, and not a minute too soon. FedEx -- whose name is on the stadium -- asked the team to change the name. Ditto Nike, that removed all Redskins merch.